Jan. 20, 2024
By Sena Fidan
Staff Writer
Whether it be a food sale, clothing sale or raffle, there is almost always a class fundraiser going on at LHS. These fundraisers give students the chance to raise money to lower or eliminate expenses.
Class fundraisers are organized by class advisors who follow the students through their four years of high school, planning and facilitating events, including the prom and senior banquet.
English teacher Ms. Rendzia, who advises the Class of 2024, said it is important to raise money, particularly in preparation for senior year.
“As a class account, we’re responsible for raising money for everything senior year: your caps and gowns, your senior T-shirts… and yearbook,” Rendzia said.
She said sometimes fundraised money benefits the entire class, but students can also sell goods to lower the cost of their personal expenses such as a prom ticket.
Rendzia said her daughter, Raina, who graduated LHS in 2019, raised enough money through her participation in class fundraisers to pay for her prom date’s ticket and her own, each of which cost $140.
“All you have to do is sell the items. That’s it,” Rendzia said.
She said earning money to pay for the seniors’ expenses is challenging when participation in fundraisers is low. Rendzia said, on average, out of a class of 203 students, there are about 15 students along with the class officers who assist with fundraisers.
“If you have not participated in your class fundraisers, it is not too late to start now.”
Rendzia said most recently, in September 2023, she, senior class president Julia Tozduman and senior Anastasia Loutroutzis baked brownies that earned the class about $500.
“We’re the only ones who baked even though it’s open [to] the entire class,” Rendzia said. “The [students who have not volunteered] can thank the people that did when they have a cap and gown to walk in or if they get senior T-shirts.”
Tozduman said she makes sure to stick to the commitment she made to her class.
“I have helped create a sweatshirt sale. I designed the crewnecks. I have also helped run the brownie sale where students and parents donate brownies, and we sell them at lunch,” Tozduman said.
She said she wants her classmates and underclassmen to understand the importance of class fundraisers.
“These fundraisers will help benefit them, and it will help me and the advisors provide the best parties and events for our class,” Tozduman said.
Known for her homemade cake pops, English and drama teacher Ms. Coppola, who advises the Class of 2027, said during her 18 years as an advisor, she has seen the impact fundraising can make in easing the stress associated with the cost of prom.
Coppola said the Class of 2015 was especially successful in 2014 when it raised money to lower the price of bids for the prom, which was held at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park. She said the class sold over $16,000 of Gertrude Hawk chocolate, with 20% of those sales going into students’ personal accounts.
“Many of those students were able to go to prom for free since they had raised so much money,” Coppola said.
She said the class could always benefit from more participation in fundraisers.
“Caps and gowns cost $4,500 last year. If every student participated in our fundraisers, we would be able to cover that cost easily,” Coppola said. “If you have not participated in your class fundraisers, it is not too late to start now…. If you are participating in fundraisers, keep up the great work.”
